Under-Eye Micro Fat Injection and TCA Peeling

The treatment I prefer for addressing under-eye volume loss is this combined procedure. I am not particularly fond of using artificial fillers under the eyes. You can also refer to my article on "non-surgical treatments" for more information on under-eye fillers.

Table of Contents

• What is it?
• Post-Procedure Process
• Duration and Longevity
• What It Is Not

What is it? On the inner side of your legs, right next to your knees, there is a fat pad with a high compatibility to the facial area. It has a small particle size and is relatively resistant to hormonal changes. Most people have this fat pad and are not particularly fond of it.

We numb the area from which the fat will be taken (the inner leg) and the under-eye area with very fine needles, similar to those used for Botox injections. The total pain level of the procedure is comparable to a Botox treatment. We then use cannulas, which are fat collection needles, to extract 10-15 milliliters of fat from the inner knee area. This fat tissue is processed through a special filter to reduce the size of the fat clusters. We then inject this processed fat into the "target area" under the eyes using a special technique and very fine cannulas. The term micro fat injection refers to the thinness of the cannulas and the fact that the transferred fat particles are smaller than a millimeter. During the procedure, the injection cannula creates a sort of mesh within the tissue, distributing small amounts of fat with each pass. To achieve a 5-milliliter volume, we make approximately 50 passes. This mesh technique minimizes visible lumpiness and irregularities in the delicate under-eye area.

Under-eye fat injection is applied not inside the eyelid but within the cheek mass beneath the eye and at the junction of the cheek and lower eyelid. The goal is to minimize the volume loss that occurs in the uppermost layer of the cheek mass during the aging process.

After the fat transfer is complete, we perform a chemical peel using a medical acid solution known as TCA. Following the chemical peel, the treated area turns white within the first 30 minutes, followed by a mild redness. We apply antibiotic eye ointment over the peeled area and prescribe antibiotics before sending you home.

Post-Procedure Process Due to the mesh technique and the movement of cannulas within the tissue, there will be noticeable swelling and mild bruising under the eyes post-procedure. This swelling and bruising will subside to a level where it can be covered with light makeup within 5-7 days, allowing you to return to social and work life. The skin of the lower eyelid will form a thin crust within 24 hours post-procedure, which will peel off within 5-7 days. The duration of the peeling process depends on the depth of the peel and the strength of the chemical used. The peeling process occurs naturally, and you do not need to do anything to assist it. During this period, you can wash and cleanse your face. If you can take a week off work, that would be ideal.

Duration and Longevity Of the total 10 milliliters of fat tissue we extract from the leg and apply under both eyes, 1-4 milliliters will remain after 6-8 weeks. This remaining volume will age with you, as it is not temporary but permanent.

Predicting whether 1 or 4 milliliters will remain in each patient is very difficult, as the survival rate of the fat is highly dependent on individual factors. For instance, fat retention tends to be lower in smokers.

For this reason, we inform candidates for micro fat injection that 1-3 sessions may be needed to achieve the desired effect. While some patients achieve the desired result with one application, others may not reach the target volume even after three sessions. Each session has a separate application fee.

The uncertainty in the survival rate of the fat can be frustrating. After all, people want clear results for the money they spend, but unfortunately, tissue transfers are governed by biological rather than economic limits.

We do not use this procedure to fill in sunken faces caused by the aging process.

There is a lifelong volume loss process that begins in the thirties. We use this procedure as a "maintenance treatment" during this process. For example, when we perform 3-4 sessions between the ages of 30 and 40, the volume loss at 40 years old is less. It has a preventive philosophy.

TCA peeling and micro fat injection are complementary treatments that enhance each other’s effects. Peeling is a procedure based on creating controlled surface damage so that the body renews the surface more smoothly. We believe that the stem cells within the micro fat tissue help with the renewal after peeling. Peeling also helps to correct fine lines on the skin surface and tighten the lower eyelid skin.

What It Is Not This procedure is not a surgery. It is neither as effective nor as permanent as surgery. It does not replace surgery.

After an examination, we may determine that an eyelid surgery or mid-face lift surgery is a more suitable option for treating your under-eye problems. In such cases, I do not recommend or perform micro fat tissue transfer + TCA peeling. Therefore, we do not work on a "request basis" like "Doctor, I will come from abroad or out of town to have this procedure done."

For more information about micro fat injection + TCA peeling, please contact us. Upon request, Ms. Duygu can send you informed consent forms online, explaining the medical risks and complications of both procedures.